Circuit breaker mechanisms



Aug. 21, 1956 Filed Dec. 3. 1.953

R. C. VAN SICKLE CIRCUIT BREAKER vMECHANISMS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Roswell C. Von Sickle.

2 'ATTORNEY Fig. l.

INVENTOR Aug. 21, 1956 Filed Dec. 3. '1953 R. C. VAN SICKLE CIRCUITy BREAKER MECHANISMS s sheets-sheet 2 Aug. 21, 1956 R, c. VAN slcKLE A 2,750,025

' CIRCUIT BREAKER MEcHANIsMs l Filed nec. :5. 195s s sn'eetshee: s

CIRCUIT BREAKERl Roswell C.l Van Sickle,l Pittsburgh,- Pa., assignor. to Westatent inghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a

corporation of Pennsylvania ApplicationDecembei-.fia1953,. Serial No.. 395,897

17 Claims. (Cl. 200--81) This. invention relates to circuit breakers and more particularly to circuit breaker operating mechanisms of the pneumatic type.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved fluid pressure operated circuit breakerl operating mechanism which` is mechanically trip freeand capable of effecting high-speed opening and quick reclosing of the circuit breaker.

Another object of. the invention is to provide a circuit breaker operating mechanism operated by fluid pressure in which the breaker is releasably coupled to the operating mechanism by means of an improved high-speed latch mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit breaker embodying a trip-free tripping means, a non-trip-free tripping means and an automatic selecting means responsive to the condition of the closing means for selecting which of the tripping means is to be operated in response to fault conditions.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a circuit breaker embodying a tluid pressure operated closing means, a trip-free latch means, a non-trip-free latch means and fluid pressure operated selecting means responsive to the condition of the closing means for selecting which of the latch means is to be operated in response to fault conditions.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a circuit breaker embodying an improved operating mechanism of the uid pressure operated. type capable of effecting high-speed operation of the circuit breaker and. operating piston and quick reversal of the moving parts.

Another object of the invention is. to provide a circuit breaker ernbodying an improved operating mechanism of the pneumatic type capable of effecting high-speed openingy and quick position, upon initial opening thereof" in response to a fault condition.

Another object of the invention isto provide a circuit interrupter embodying trip-free and non-trip-free latching means with interlocking means operable by the tripfree latching means to render the non-tripffree latching means ineffective until the trip-free latching means is restored to latching position.

The invention both as to structure and operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

ln said drawings:

Figure l is a front elevational view, partly in section, of a circuit breaker operating mechanism embodying the principles ofthe invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectionalr view taken substantially` on line Il--Il of Fig. 1 and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational viewpartly broken away showing the operating mechanism;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view` taken substantially on line lV--IV of Fig. 3Y and showing; the latch selector. mechanism;

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Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical'sectional View` taken substantially on line V---Vy of Fig.. 3 andi looking. in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 6 isv` a vertical sectional view through the inlet valve device taken substantially on line VI-VI of Fig.,3;

Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged" detailviews respectively of the trip-free and non-trip-free trigger latches;

Fig. 9 is a positional View of the operating mechanism. showing the position of the. parts duringj a trip-free operation; and

Fig. l0 is a positional` view.v of the mechanism showing the position of the parts during a non-trip-free operation.

Refern'ngto Fig. 25 ofthe drawings, the circuit breaker 11 which is illustrated diagrammatically, may be of any conventional construction either oil-break, air-break or gas-blast type and is adapted to` be operated to the open position by means of accelerating spring 13. The circuitbreaker is adapted to be operated to the closed position by meansr of an operating mechanism which in the embodiment shown is of the compressed uid operated type.

The operating mechanism includes a main operating cylinder 17 closed at its upper end by a plate 19 and at its lower endy by a `bottom plate 20, the plates 19-20 and the cylinder being rigidly secured together by means of bolts 21 (Fig. l). Mounted` in the main operating cylinder 17 (Fig. 2') is an operating piston 23 having secured thereto a piston rod 25 which is slidable through a substantially air-tight opening in the plate 19. Rigidly secured to the upper end ofthe piston rod 25 isa coupling 27 which is releasably connected to a coupling 29 rigidly secured to a breaker operating rod 31 by means of a lap-over type toggle comprising toggle links 33 and 35. The breaker operating rod is operatively connected to the circuit breaker by means of a suitable linkage.

The toggle link. 33 comprises a pair of spaced links connected to the coupling 27 by means of a pivot pin 37. The toggle link 35 comprises a pair of spaced links,

disposed just inside of the links 33 and is pivotally connected by means ofja pivot pin 39 to the coupling 29v which is disposed between the links 35. The toggle links 33 and 35 are pivotally connectedtogether by'means' of a knee pivot pin 421.

Intorder to providesubstantially straight-line movement for the breaker rod 31, a link 43 has one end pivoted` centrally on the pivot pinl 39, the coupling 29 being bifurcated at its lower end4 to receive the link. The other end of the link 43 is pivotally mounted on a pin 45 which is supported between a pair of spaced frame members 47 and. 49 (see also Figs. l and 3). The frame members 47 and 49 are secured together by means of crossbars 51 and 53 which also, as seen in Fig. l, provide mounting; feet for mounting the operating mechanism on a, suitable base (not shown). The top plate i9 of the operatingcylinder is rigidly secured, preferably by welding, to the lower ends of. the frames 47-49- The toggle 33-35- is releasably held in its overlapping or thrust transmitting position, asshown in'y Fig. 2, by a pair of spaced links SS-disposedone on the outside of each of the frames 437--49'y and having one end pivotally connectedA tothe knee pivot pin 41 of the toggle 33-35. The' other endsof the links-55' are pivotally connected to a rod 57 mounted in: one end of a latch lever 59 pivotally supported onthepin 4S. The other or latch-end of the latch member 59 is releasably engaged by ak trip-free latch mechanism` indicated generally` at 61 which will be fully described later.

The circuit breaker is held in closed position by means of: a fioating'mainlatch element 63 pivotedon the pivot pin 37 and supported by links 65 and 67. The link 65 is pivotally mounted on a pin 69 in the frames 47-49 and is pivotally connected to the main latch element 63 by means of a pin 71. The link 67 is pivotally mounted on a pin 73 supported in the frames 47-4-9 and is connected to the floating latch element 63 by a pin 75. The main latch element 63 is engaged and releasably held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a non-trip-free latch mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 77.

The arrangement of the linkage is such that it provides a straight line movement for the piston rod without imposing any side thrust on the piston rod during opening and closing operation.

The relationship of the links 43-55 and their pivots --57 respectively is such as to maintain a constant relation of the main toggle links 33-35 during a non-trip free opening operation and also during closing operations. By this arrangement it is possible to maintain substantially a constant latch load on the trip-free latch mechanism during these operations.

The non-trip-free latch mechanism 77 comprises a latch 79 pivotally mounted by means of a pivot pin 81 on one arm of a bell crank 83 which is pivoted on a ixed pivot 85 in the frames 47-49. The other arm of the bell crank 83 carries a latch roller S7 which is engaged by a nontrip-free trigger latch 89. The trigger latch 89 is pivoted on a pin 91 supported in the frames 47-49 and is adapted to be operated by a tripping electromagnet 119 to be later described. The latch 79 has a latching shoulder 95 (Figs. 2, 9 and l0) thereon which engages a latching shoulder 97 on the main latch element 63. In the latched position the toggle formed by the latch 79 and the bell crank 83 is under-set to the right of a line drawn through the point of contact of the latch shoulders 97 and the center of the pivot 85 and is held in this position by a component of the force of the accelerating spring 13 which biases the mechanism in opening direction. A spring 99 biases the latch toggle 79-83 in resetting direction, the toggle being normally in the position shown in Fig. 2 by the force applied thereto by the accelerating spring 13 through the oating latch element 63.

The trip-free latch mechanism is similar to the non-tripfree latch mechanism and comprises a latch 101 pivotally supported by means of a pin 103 on a bell crank lever 195 which is pivoted on a fixed pivot 107 in the frames 47-49. The lever carries a latch roller 109 which is engaged by a trip-free trigger latch 111 pivoted on the pin 91. The latch 191 and lever 105 form an underset toggle which is biased by a spring 113 to a reset position but is prevented from collapsing by a component of the force of the accelerating spring 13 applied through the link 55 and latch Z lever 59. The latch 101 is provided with a shoulder 115 which normally engages a shoulder 117 on the latch lever 59 to restrain the latter in operative position.

The circuit breaker is tripped open either non-trip-free of the closing means or trip-free thereof by selective operation of the non-trip-free latch mechanism 77 or the tripfree latch mechanism 61. The latch mechanisms 61-77 are operated by means of a tripping electromagnet 119 (Figs. l and 2) mounted on the underside of a cross plate 121. The tripping magnet 119 comprises a fixed magnet yoke 123, an energizing winding and a movable arma ture 127. A trip rod 129 is secured to the armature 127 and extends upwardly through an opening in the magnet yoke 123 and an opening in the plate 121, the upper end of the rod 129 being disposed beneath a latch selector 131 (Figs. l, 2, 4 and 5). A spring 133 (Figs. 2 and 5) compressed between the plate 121 and a spring guide 135 pivotally connected to the non-trip-free trigger latch 89 biases this latch to latching position, and a similar spring 137 biases the trip-free latch 111 to latching position.

The latch or trip selector bar 131 is pivotally connected at its left end (Figs. l, 4 and 5) by means of a pin 139 to a bell crank lever 141 which is pivotally supported by means of a pivot pin 143 on brackets 145 formed on a plate 147 secured to the frame member 49 by bolts 149.

The enlarged right end of a rod 151 (Figs. 3 and 4) is pivotally connected by means of a pin 153 to the bell crank lever 141, and the other end of the rod 151 has a piston 155 thereon disposed in a cylinder 157 formed in a casting 159 which forms a part of an inlet valve structure indicated generally at 161 and which will be described more fully hereinafter. The inner end of the cylinder 157 communicates by means of a passage 163 to the interior of the operating cylinder 17. A coil spring 165 compressed between a spring seat on the plate 147 and a spring seat on the bell crank lever 141 biases the bell crank lever clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4 to normally position the piston 155 (Fig. 3) to the inner end of the cylinder 157 which positions a projection 167 on the selector bar 131 (Fig. 5) beneath the tail 169 of the non-trip- Eree trigger latch 89. The selector bar 131 extends through a slot (not shown) in the plate 147 and is guided by fingers 173 extending from the plate 147 and pressing against the sides of the selector bar.

With the Aselector bar 131 in the position in which 1t appears in Fig. 5, operation of the tripping electromagnet 119 causes the trip rod 129 to move upwardly moving the selector bar 131 upwardly. Since, at this time, the projection 167 is positioned beneath the tail 169 of the nontripfree latch 89, this latch will be actuated to trip the circuit breaker and the breaker will go to the open position without disconnecting the breaker mechanism from the piston 23. However, if the selector bar 131 is shifted toward the right (Fig. 5), by means and under conditions to be hereinafter described, the projection 167 will be moved out from under the tail 169 of the non-trip-free latch, and the projection 167 will be positioned beneath the tail of the trip-free latch 111. Consequently, operation of the tripping magnet 119 with the selector bar 131 in this position will actuate the trip-free latch 111 and trip the breaker free 0f the closing means.

In the closed position of the breaker (Fig. 2), the main latch element 63 which is held in its restraining position by the non-trip-free latch mechanism 77, holds the piston 23 in the closed position shown against the force of the accelerating spring 13 and the force of a compression spring 177 compressed between the bottom of the operating piston 23 and a plate 179. The plate 179 is suitably secured preferably by welding to a cylinder 181 which, in turn, is rigidly supported on the bottom plate 20 of the operating cylinder.

The accelerating spring 13 applies a force through the overlapping toggle 33-35 to the pin 37. Also, the spring 177 applies a force through the piston rod 25 to the pin 37. Both of these forces tend to move the pin 37, together with the piston 23, upwardly or in opening direction. In the latched position these forces are applied through the main latch element 63 to the support links 65 and 67, the relative positions of the parts being such that a small component of the forces is applied to the non-trip-free latch 79, which restrains the mechanism in the closed position.

With the breaker in the closed position (Fig. 2) and the selector bar 131 in the position shown in Fig. 5, that is, with the projection 167 beneath the tail 169 of the nontrip-free trigger latch S9, operation of the tripping electromagnet 119 causes upward movement of the 'armature 127 and the trip rod 129. During this movement, the latter engages and moves the selector bar 131 upwardly causing the projection 167 to engage the tail 169 of the non-trip-free latch 89 and move this latch counterclockwise to its unl'atcIhing position disengaging it from the latch roller 87. This releases the bell crank lever 83 which is immediately snapped clockwise about its pivot 85 by the forces applied to the latch through the main latch element 63, the movement of the bell crank 83 being limited by a stop stud 183 in the frame 47-49. Clockwise movement of the bell crank 83 carries the pivot 81 for the latch 79 `also clockwise causing a nose 185 on the end of the latch 79 to engage the latch element 63 and pry the latch shoulder 95 out of engagement with the latch shoulder 97. This f rees the main latch element 63y and the accelerating spring 13, together with the spring 177, moves the breaker and the operatiil g mechanism including the piston 23 to the open posit-ion. During the non-trip-free opening movement, the main overlapping toggle 33--35 is held in thrust transmitting position by the links 43 and 55 which move clockwise about their respective pivots 45 and 57 tothe piston shown in Fig. 10

The circuit breaker is closed by admitting compressed air to the operating cylinder above the piston 23 which forces the piston downward, drawing the toggle link 33 therewith. Since the latch lever 59 is held in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 10 by the trip-free l'atch mechanism 61, the links 55 pivot about the rod 57 which acts as a fixed pivot, thereby holding the overlapping toggle 33--35 in thrust transmitting position during the closing openation. 'Ilhe closing force applied to the link 33 is, therefore, transmitted through the link 35 to move the breaker operating rod 31 downwardly and close the breaker.

As soon as the latch shoulder 95 is released during a tripping operation from the latch shoulder 97 on the main latch element 63, the spring 99 restores the bell cnank 83 counterclockwise to a position against the stop 183 slightly beyond its normal position. As soon as the latch roller 87:' clears the end of the trigger latch 89 the spring 133 resets the trigger 89 to its latching position. The spring 99 also maintains the nose 185 of the latch 79 in engagement with the latch element so that when the latch element 63 arrives at the closed position, the spring 99 reengages the latching shoulder 95 with the latching shoulder 97, and' the mechanism will be restrained in the closed position by the trigger latch 89 which reengaged the latch roller `after the bell crank 83 was restored to the position shown in Fig. 2.

Under certain conditions, to be set forth later, the bell crank lever 141 (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) is rotated counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 4, and moves the selector bar 131 toward the right (Fig. 5). This moves the projection 167 from beneath the tail 169 of the non-trip-free trigger latch 89 and positions it beneath the tail 175 of the trip-free latch 111. With the parts in this position, operation of the tripping magnet 119 causes the projection 167 on the selector bar 131 to engage the tail 175 and operate the trip-free trigger latch 111 (Fig. 2) to the unlatching position. FDhis releases the bell crank 105 which is immediately snapped counterclockwise about its pivot` 107 by the force applied through the link 55 and the latch lever 59. The movement of the lever 105 is limited by la stop stud 187 in the frame E7- 49. As the lever 105 moves counterclockwise, a nose 189 on the end of the latch 101 engages a surface 191 on the latch lever 59 4and pries the l-atch 101 out of engagement with the latch lever 59. This releases the latch lever 59 and the force of the accelerating spring 13 immediately snaps the latch lever counterclockwise about its pivot 45 whereupon the main toggle 33-35 collapses under the influence of the accelerating spring 13 which spring immediately moves the breaker to the open position free of the operating piston 23. As soon as the latch 101 is free of the latch lever 59 the yspring 113 restores the bell crank 105 clockwise against the stop stud 187.

In order to restore the main toggle 33-35 to thrust transmitting position, following a trip-free opening operation, to thereby recouple the breaker to the closing means in preparation for a closing operation, it is necessary to actuate the non-trip-free latch 79 to unlatching position free of the main latch member 63. This is accomplished by means of an interlock member 197 (Figs. 2, 9 and l0) pivoted on a pin 199 and biased by a spring 201 to the position shown in Fig. 2. When the trip free latch 101 is actuated to unlatching position it moves the interlock member 197 counterclockwise causing the lower end thereof to engage a projection 203 on the latch 79 and move this, latch to its unlatching position against the bias of spring 99. This permits the spring 177 to. move the piston 23,` the` piston` rod 25 and thetogglelink 33 of the maintoggle-upwardly. During a trip-free-tripping operation, the non-trip-free trigger latch 89. is actuatedl by the trip-free trigger latch 111 shortly. after the latter releases the trip-free latch. mechanism 61 to-ettect collapse of the main toggle. This is eected byy means of a projection 193 on. the trip-freetrigger latch (Figs. 7 9 and l0) which, just after the latch. 111 releases the lever 105, engages a shoulder 195 on the non-trip-freetrigger latch (Figs. 8, 9 and l0) and moves thislatch to unlatching position. This frees the main latch element 63 in they manner previously described and permits the spring 177 to move the piston 23 and piston rod 25v upwardly to reset the main toggle 33-35. In resetting the main toggle, the link 35 rotates clockwise (Fig, 9) about the pin 39 thrusting the link toward the right resetting the latch lever 59 to the position shown in Figs. 2 and l0 at which time the latch 101 reengages the latch lever 59 and locks the main toggle 33-35 in thrust transmitting position effectively reeouplingthe piston rod 25 to the breaker operating rod 31 in readiness for a closing operation.

When the breaker is tripped open by the trip-free tripping mechanism 61 while closing air pressure is in the operating cylinder, the piston 23 may be in the closed position, or it may be moved to the closed position by the air pressure in the operating cylinder. In either case, the piston 23 must be free to move toward the open position in order to reset the main toggle 3.3--35 to thrust transmitting position. For this reason, it is necessary to hold the non-trip-free latch 79l out of engagement with themain latch element 63 until the main toggle 33-35 is reset and' the trip-free latch mechanism 61 is restored to latching position. This is effected by means of the interlock member 197 (Figs. 2, 9 and l0). When the breaker' isv tripped by action of the non-trip-free tripping mechanism 77, the interlock member 1'97'is not actuated. However, operation of the trip-free latching mechanism 61, as previously set forth, causes the latch 101l to move the interlock mem-ber 197 counterclockwise about its pivot 199 during which movement' the lower end of the interlock member 197 engages the projection 203 on the non-tripfree latch 79 and holds this latch clear of the main latch element 63"` until the main toggle 33 35 is reset and the trip-free latch 101 is reengaged` with the latch lever 59.

As-viewed inFigs. l and 3,. the interlock member 197 is provided with a projection 205 which extends out through an opening in the frame member t9-and controls a latch check switch 207 mounted on the frame member 49. The purpose of the latch check switch 207 is to prevent energization ofv the closing means until the main toggle 33-35 is reset to thrust transmitting position and the trip-free latch mechanism 61 is reset tion.

Compressed: gas is' admitted to the operating cylinder 17"'toy close the circuit breaker by means of the inlet valve device 161 (Figs. 2 and 6). The inlet valve device comprises. a main housing 209 secured to the top plate 19 of the operating cylinder 17 by means of bolts 211. The housing 209 is provided with a cylinder 213 closed at its upper endl by a cap 215 secured to the housing 209 by means of bolts 217. A valve operating piston 219 is disposed in the cylinder 213 for operating an inlet valve 221l which controls a passage for admitting iluid under pressure to the operating cylinder to close the breaker. The inlet valve 221 is biased to closed position by a spring 223 and has avalve rod 225 secured thereto which extends upwardly through a guide bearing 227 integral with the housing 209 and into the cylinder 213 where it is engagerl and operated by the piston 219.

A high pressure chamber 229 in the housing 209 is closedlat the bottom by a cap 231 secured to the housing by bolts 233 and is supplied fluid under pressure from a suitable source through an inlet passage 235 (Fig. l) to which a suitablel pipe (not shown) is connected. An inletport237 (Fig. 6) in the housing 209 above the inlet to latching posivalve 221 communicates with the operating cylinder 17 on the working side of the piston 23 by means of a passage 239 in the plate 19.

The inlet valve 221 is operated to the open position by admitting uid under pressure from the high-pressure chamber 229 to the cylinder 213 above the piston 219 which forces the piston 219 downward in the cylinder and through the valve rod 225 moves the valve 221 downward against the bias of the spring 223 and the highpressure fluid in the chamber 229.

Fluid pressure is admitted to the cylinder 213 above the piston 219 by means of a pair of electromagnetically operated pilot valve devices indicated generally at 241 (Figs. 1, 3 and 6). The two pilot valve devices 241 (only one of which is shown in detail) are provided, and are operated simultaneously, in order to attain high speed in the opening of the inlet valve to thereby aid in obtaining high-speed reclosure of the circuit breaker. Referring to Fig. 6, each of the pilot valves comprises a housing 243 secured by means of bolts 245 to the housing 209 of the inlet valve device. The housing 243 is provided with a chamber 247 communicating with the high-pressure chamber 229 by means of a passage 249. A pilot valve 251 normally closes oft the chamber 247 from a passage 253 communicating with the cylinder 213 above the piston 219. The pilot valve 251 is biased by means of a spring 255 to closed position and is secured on a valve rod 257 which is actuated by the armature 259 of an electromagnet 261. Also attached to the valve rod 257 is a normally open exhaust valve 263 which closes upon opening of the pilot valve 251 to close a passage which communicates the passage 253 to atmosphere.

Energization of the electromagnet 261, which may be effected from any suitable source, moves the valve rod 257 downwardly closing the exhaust valve 263 and opening the pilot valve 251, thereby admitting tluid under pressure from the high-pressure chamber 229 through the passages 249 and 253 to the cylinder 213 above the piston 219. Since the cross sectional area of the cylinder 213 is considerably greater than the area of the inlet port closed by the valve 221, the uid pressure forces the piston 219 down moving the valve rod 225 and the inlet valve 221 to the open position to thereby admit uid under pressure through the inlet port 237 and the passage 239 to the operating cylinder 17 to close the breaker in the previously described manner.

When, the electromagnet 261 is deenergized near the end of the closing operation, the valve 251 closes and the valve 253 opens to vent the high-pressure uid from the cyiinder 213 to permit the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 229 to close the inlet valve 221 and shut oft the flow or fluid pressure to the operating cylinder 17.

There is provided an exhaust valve 265 (Figs. 3 and 6) for ve ing the compressed air from the operating cylinupon a predetermined drop in the pressure there- The 'valve is mounted in the casting 159 in which he trip seicctor cylinder 157 is disposed. The casting iS is secured by means of bolts 267 to the housing 209 of the inlet valve device above the passage 239 which communicates with the operating cylinder 17. The valve is provided with a stem 269 which extends upwardly cugh a guide opening in the casting 159 and has lock 271 threadedly engaging the outer end thereof. The valve is biased by a spring 273 to the open position which is adiustably determined by adjusting the nuts 271 then locking them in place. w hen compressed air is admitted to the operating cylinder to close the breaker, the pressure of the air closes the valve against the bias of the spring 273. After the inlet valve 221 closes following a closing operation, leakage of compressed air from the system reduces the pressure in the operating cylinder to a point where the spring 275 opens the valve 265 and exhaust the air pressure in the cylinder 17 to atmosphere through an exhaust port 275 (Figs. 3 and 6) in the casting 159.

If, at the time the breaker contacts touch during a closing operation, there is no fault condition, such as an overload or short circuit, in the circuit controlled by the breaker, the breaker will be latched in the closed position in the previously described manner. However, if a fault condition exists on the circuit at the time the circuit breaker completes the main circuit, the trip device 119 will be immediately enegized and trip the breaker free of the closing mechanism by actuating the trip-free tripping mechanism 61. Referring to Fig, 3, the cylinder 157' to the left of the piston 155 communicates with the inlet port 237 (Fig. 6) and the operating cylinder 17 by means of the passage 163. Consequently, when the inlet valve 221 is opened to admit uid pressure to the operating cylinder to close the breaker, fluid pressure is admitted through the passage 163 to the cylinder 157 and moves the piston and the rod 151 toward the right (Figs. 3 and 4). This operates the bell crank lever 141 and moves the selector bar (Fig. 4) to its right-hand position wherein the projection 167 is positioned beneath the tail 175 of the trip-free trigger latch 111. ln this manner, the trip-free latch mechanism 61 (Fig. 2) is selected for operation whenever the breaker closes with the ciosing charge of high-pressure iluid in the operating cylinder. When the closing air is discharged from the operating cylinder, the spring (Fig. 4) restores the bell crank 141 and the selector bar 131 to the positions shown` in Figs. 4 and 5 and moves the piston 155 to the inner end of the cylinder 157.

The operating mechanism is operable to effect normal closing operations of the breaker and also quick automatic reclosing operation initiated during an opening operation by means of a suitable control circuit (not shown) of a conventional type which effects energization of the electromagnet 261 of the inlet valve device 161. The control circuit for controlling the energization of the electromagnet 261 and the triping electromagnet 119 may be similar to the control circuit shown in Patent No. 2,408,199, issued September 24, 1946, to .lames M. Cumming and Richard C. Cunningham, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Il the control circuit is set for quick automatic reclosing7 the pilot valve electromagnet 241 will be energized at least by the time in the opening operation when the breaker contacts have separated far enough to eX- tinguish the arc, and effect opening of the iniet valve to admit compressed fluid to the operating cylinder which quickly reverses the movement of the piston and closes the breaker.

While the invention has been disclosed in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications in the structural details and arrangement of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

l claim as my invention:

l. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased in opening direction, power operated means arranged tor rectilinear movement for closing said contact means, a main latch having one end pivotally supported on and movable at al times with said power operated means for holding said power operated means and said contact means in closed position, means movably supporting the other end of said main latch to permit rectilinear movement of said one eno' of said main latch, restraining means releasably restraining said main latch in holding position. and trip means for actuating said restraining means to a non-restraining position to permit said main latch to move to a non-holding position.

2. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means arranged for rectilinear movement for closing said Contact means, a floating latch having one end pivotally supported on said power operated means for releasably holding said power operated means and said Contact means in closed position, supporting means movably supporting the other end of said oating latch to permit rectilinear movement of said 9 one end with said powermeans, restraining means releasably restraining said floating latch in holding position, and trip means for actuating said restrainingl means to a non-restraining position to permit saidiioating latch to move to a non-holding position.

3. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means disposed from rectilinear movement for closing said contact means, a oating latch having one end pivotally supported on said power operated means for releasably holdingsaid power operated means and said contact means in closed position, support means movably supporting the other yend of said floating latch at spaced points to permit rectilinear movement of said one end of said oating latch to a non-holding position, restraining means releasably restraining said oating latch in holding position, and trip means for actuating said restraining means to a non-restraining position to permit said floating, latch to move to a non-holding position to thereby permit movement of said power operated means and said contact means to open position.

4. In a circuit interrupter having movable cont-act means biased open, power operated means disposed for rectilinear movement for closing said contact means, a latch for releasably holding said" power operated means and said contact means in Iclosed position, pivot means at one end of said latch pivotally supporting said one end of said latch on said power operated means for movement therewith, support means movably supporting the other end of said latch in a manner to permitsaid pivotmeans at said one endthereot' to travel with said power operated means, restraining means releasably restraining said-latch in holding position, and a trip device for actuating said restraining means to a non-restraining position to permit said latch to move to a non-holdingp'osition and effect opening of said contact means.

5. In a circuit interrupter having a biased member releasable to permit opening of; the circuit, alatch having one end pivotally supported on said biased member for releasably holding said biasedrnember inclosedposition, a plurality of movable support members movably supporting the other end of said latch, one ofsaid` support members being movableto a non-supporting position to permit movement of said latchl to a non-holding position, said support members being disposed to permit said one end of said latch to move with said releasable member, and a trip device for moving said one support member to said non-supporting position.

6. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means for closing said contact means, a main latch pivotally supported on said power operated means for releasably holding saidpower operated means in closed position, supportmeans movably supporting said main latch to permit movement ofy said main latch to a non-holding position, a second latch engaging and releasably restraining said main latch in holding position, a movable member having pivot means thereon pivotally mounting said second latch, means releasably restraining said movable member in posittion to hold the pivot means of said second latch in latching position, and said movable member when released moving the pivot means for said second latch to cause said second latch to disengage said main latch.

7. In a circuit interrupter having a biased member releasable to permit opening of the circuit, a rnain latch having one end pivotally supported on said biased member for releasably holding said biased member in closed position, support members movably supporting said main-latch in a manner to permit said one end of saidmain latch to move with said biased member, a second latch having one end pivoted and the other end releasably` engaging said main latch for holding said main latch in holding position, a movable member movably supporting said pivoted end of said second latch, a third latch releasably holding `said movable member in position to holdsaid second latch in latching position, meansY forl actuating said third latch 10 to non-latching position to release saidV movable member, and said movable member when released moving the pivot-- ed end` of said second latch to cause said second latch to release said main latch.

8. In a circuit interrupter having a biased member releasable to permit opening of the circuit, a main latch having one end pivotally connected to said biased membei'. for releasably holding said biased member in closed position, movable support members movably supporting the other end of saidl main latch in a manner to permit said one end to move with said biased member, a second latch havingone end pivoted and the other end releasably engaging said main latch for holding said main latch in holding position, a movable member movably supporting said pivoted end of said second latch, a third latch releasably holding said movable member in position to hold said` second latch in latching position, means for actuating said third latch to non-latching position to release saidl movable member, and said movable member when released moving the pivoted end of said second latch to cause said second latch to release said main latch, and spring means forreturning said movable member and the pivoted end of said second latch to latching position as soon as said second latch is disengaged from said main latch.

9. A circuit intermpter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means operable to close said interruptor, coupling means .comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, trip-free latch means connected to normally restrain said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch means being operable to effect collapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said interrupter free of said power operated means, a main latch separate from said toggle having one end pivotally connected to said power operated means for normally holding said power operated means in closed position, support means movably supporting the other end of said main latch in a manner to permit said one end thereof to move with said power operated means, nontrip-free latch means normally restraining said main latch in holding position, said non-trip-free latch means being operable to release said main latch and effect opening of said interrupter While said trip-free latch means maintains said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position.

l0. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means operable to close said interrupter, coupling means comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable con tact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, trip-free latch means connected to` normally restrain said overlapping toggle in thrusttransmitting position, said trip-free latch means being operable to eifect Icollapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said interrupter free of said power operated means, a. main latch separate from said overlapping toggle having one endv pivotally supported on said power operated means for normally holding said power operated means in closed position, support means movably supporting the other end of said main latch in a manner to permit said one end thereof to move with said power operated means, non-trip-free latch means normally restraining said main latch in holding position, said non-trip-free latch means being operable to release said main latch and effect opening of said interrupter while said trip-free latch means maintains said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, and selecting means mechanically operated to two latch selecting positions in response to the condition of said power means for selecting the trip-free latch means or the non-trip-free latch means for operation.

1l. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means operable to close said interrupter, coupling means comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power:

operated means, trip-free latch means connected to normally restrain said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch means being operable to effect collapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said interrupter free of said power operated means, a main latch separate from said overlapping toggle having one end pivotally connected to said power operated means for normally holding said power 'operated means in closed position, support means movably supporting the other end of said main latch in a manner to permit said one end thereof to move with said power operated means, non-trip-free latch means normally restraining said main latch in holding position, said non-trip-free latch means being operable to release said main latch and effect opening of Said interrupter while said trip-free latch means maintains said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, trip means for actuating said trip-free latch means and said non-trip tree latch means, and selecting means positioned to two positions according to the energized condition of said power means for selecting said trip-free latch means or said non-trip-ree latch means for operation by said trip means.

12. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased to open position, power operated means for closing said contact means, means comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, a trip-free latch mechanism connected to normally maintain said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch mechanism being operable to eiect collapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said contact means free of said power operated means, a main latch separate from said overlapping toggle pivotally connected to said power operated means for normally holding said power operated means and said contact means in closed position, movable support means movably supporting said main latch in a manner to permit movement thereof to a non-holding position, non-trip-free latch mechanism normally engaging and restraining said main latch in holding position, said tripfree latch mechanism when operated rst releasing said overlapping toggle to etect opening of said contact means free of said power operated means and then engaging and operating said non-trip free latch mechanism to cause release of said power operated means and relatching of said trip-free latch mechanism.

13. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased to open position, power operated means for closing said contact means, means comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, a trip-free latch mechanism connected to normally maintain said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch mechanism being operable to effect collapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said contact means free of said power operated means, a main latch separate from said overlapping toggle pivotally connected to said power operated means for normally holding said power operated means and said contact means in closed position, movable support means movably supporting said main latch in a manner to permit movement thereof to a non-holding position, non-trip-free latch mechanism normally engaging and restraining said latch in holding position, said trip-free latch mechanism when operated rst releasing said overlapping toggle to etect opening of said contact means free of said power operated means and then cngaging and operating said non-trip-tree latch mechanism to cause release of said power operated means and relatching of said trip-free latch mechanism, and said nontrip-free latch mechanism being selectively operated to release said main latch and eect opening of said contact means while said overlapping toggle remains in thrust transmitting position,

14. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased to open position, power operated means for closing said contact means, means comprising an overlapping toggle having one end connected to said movable Contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, a trip-free latch mechanism connected to normally maintain said overlapping toggle in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch mechanism being operable to effect collapse of said overlapping toggle and opening of said contact means free of said power operated means, a main latch separate from said overlapping toggle having one end pivotally connected to said power operated means for normally holding said power operated means and said Contact means in closed position, movable support means movably supporting the other end of said main latch in a manner to permit movement thereof to a non-holding position, non-trip-free latch mechanism normally engaging and restraining said main latch in holding position, said trip-free latch mechanism when operated first releasing said overlapping toggle to effect opening of said contact means free of said power operated means and then engaging and operating said non-trip-free latch mechanism to cause release ot said power operated means and relatching of said trip-free latch mechanism, and interlock means operable by said trip-free latch mechanism upon unlatching operation thereof to move said non-trip-free latch mechanism to unlatching position and to hold said non-trip-free latch mechanism in unlatching position until said trip-free latch mechanism is reset and relatched.

15. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power means operable to close said interrupter, a linkage connected at one end to said power means and at the other end to said movable contact means, trip-free latch means connected to maintain said linkage in thrust transmitting position, said trip-free latch means being operable to permit collapse of said linkage and opening of said contacts free of said power means, non-trip-free latch means releasably holding said power means in closed position, said trip-free latch means when operated rst effecting collapse of said linkage and opening of said contacts free of said power means and then operating said non-trip-free latch means to release said power means, and a member operated by said trip-free latch means when said trip-free latch means is operated to cause collapse of said linkage to move said non-tripfree latch means to unlatched position and to hold said non-trip-free latch means in unlatched position until said trip-free latch means is reset to latching position.

16. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means operable to close said interrupter, a toggle comprising a pair of toggle links normally disposed in overlapping relation, said toggle having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, trip-free latch means connected to the knee of said toggle for normally maintaining said toggle in thrust transmitting position, non-trip-free latch means connected at one end to said power operated means normally restraining said power operated means in closed position, said non-trip-free latch means being operable to release said power operated means and eiect opening of said interrupter while said trip-free latch means maintains said toggle in thrust transmitting position, means constraining said one end or said toggle for movement in a predetermined path, said constraining means and said tripfree latch means maintaining said toggle links in substantially the same relation during a closing operation to thereby maintain a substantially constant load on said trip-free latch means during a closing operation.

17. A circuit interrupter having movable contact means biased open, power operated means operable to close said interrupter, a linkage having one end connected to said movable contact means and the other end connected to said power operated means, trip-free latch means, connecting means connecting said trip-free latch means to said linkage to normally maintain said linkage in thrust transmitting position, non-trip-free latch means connected 13 at one end to said power operated means normally restraining said power yoperated means in closed position, said non-trip-free latch means being -operable to release said power operated means and effect opening movement of said interrupter while said trip-free latch means maintains said linkage in thrust transmitting position, means constraining said one end of said linkage for movement in a predetermined path, said constraining means and said connecting means maintaining said linkage in a substantially constant load on said trip-free latch means during a closing operation.

References Cited in the le of this patent stantially constant relation to thereby maintain a sub- 10 2,549,441

UNITED STATES PATENTS MacNeill Mar. =14, 1939 IBoden et al. Aug, A211, I1945 Cummings et al Dec. 19, 1950 Favre Apr. 17, 1951 

